Studio Arts in Wyoming

 

More information regarding Summer 2023 status coming soon.

Modeled after an artist residency, this course is a directed study-like elective is for Studio Arts majors and students in arts-related disciplines. Students apply for consideration and four to six students are invited to enroll in the 18-day summer field study. Preparatory work consists of readings and response papers that address the early unfolding of American art and how the art of the West develops from these and other influences; how and why people get lost and what happens when they are found, or choose to stay lost; and an overview of land art and how the experience of the pilgrimage may influence personal quests.

 

The field study is situated in Rock River, Wyoming between a 1930s motor lodge as primary residence, a 1919 bank building as makeshift studio, and the University’s 4,700-acre Spring Creek Preserve. Students interact with others simultaneously enrolled in the Paleo-ecology field study on the preserve exploring the landscape, flora and fauna, and gaining greater historical and geologic context while absorbing impressions for their creative work - the group camps at the preserve along with the science group at least two nights.

 

Offering a complete focus on creative work within a community engaged in the same pursuits, students are fully immersed in their creative work as artists approximately eight hours per day, with few distractions. Spontaneous and planned critiques, guest artists, and local field trips offer additional insights. A mid-field study trip to Utah presents new landscapes and the exploration of two significant land-art works in more remote locales. The course culminates with presentations among science and community members regarding creative work and Wyoming influences. A journal, artist statement, and reflective final paper are submitted upon return to Pittsburgh.

 
 
 

What You'll Accomplish: 

As an engaged and active participant in this program, you will have the opportunity to develop:

  • A body of work related to the direct experience of place
  • An understanding of how to maintain a creative practice while working remotely
  • Foundational understanding of the early unfolding of American art and how the art of the West develops from these and other influences
  • An overview of land art with visits to two important examples

 

Students meet in Denver and stay 1 night overnight in the Denver/Boulder area. While in Denver, you will tour the Denver Art Museum and then head north to Rock River, Wyoming the following day. Most of the program takes place in Rock River, Wyoming, a small hamlet, located 40 miles northwest of Laramie within Albany county. Rock River is home to 245 residents.  Situated in the high-altitude, shortgrass prairie between the Laramie Mountains and the Medicine Bow Range, students work between an encampment of tents on the Spring Creek Preserve’s 6,000 acres, the Longhorn Motel in Rock River, and makeshift studio space in a 1919 era Bank Building. The group will also take an extended field trip to visit new landscapes, land-art works and other remote locales.

 

The average high temperature in Rock River is around 80 degrees in the summer and the average low temperature is 48 degrees.

 

 

Where You'll Live: 

During this program, students will stay at the Longhorn Lodge in Rock River, Wyoming. Students will stay in rooms at the Longhorn Lodge in Rock River, Wyoming. Students will have access to the kitchen and will cook as a group. The lodge offers one or two bedroom, basic cabins, that can sleep up to five people.  There is a convenience store located across the street which offers most anything you may need including, gas, groceries, laundry, fresh sandwiches snacks and various other items.

What You'll Study: 

You will earn 3-credits while on this program. Preparatory work consists of readings and response papers. While on the program, students are fully engaged in their work approximately eight hours per day. Spontaneous and planned critiques, guest artists, and local field trips offer additional insights.

Wyoming Studio Arts Field Study (SA1542)

This course is a directed study-like elective for Studio Arts majors. Students apply for consideration and four students are invited to enroll in the 17-day summer field study offered since launching in 2009. Preparatory work consists of readings and response papers that address the early unfolding of American art and how the art of the West develops from these and other influences; how and why people get lost and what happens when they are found, or choose to stay lost; and an overview of land art and how the experience of the pilgrimage may influence personal quests.
The field study is situated in Rock River, Wyoming between a 1930s motor lodge as primary residence, a 1919 bank building as makeshift studio, and the University’s 4,000 acre Spring Creek Preserve. Students interact with others simultaneously enrolled in the Paleoecology field study on the preserve exploring the landscape, flora and fauna, and gaining greater historical and geologic context while absorbing impressions for their creative work - the group camps at the preserve along with the science group at least two nights.
Offering a complete focus on creative work within a community of others engaged in the same pursuits, students are fully engaged in their work approximately eight hours per day. Spontaneous and planned critiques, guest artists, and local field trips offer additional insights. A mid-field study trip to Utah offers a new landscape with the exploration of two, land-art works in more remote locales. The course culminates with presentations to the Paleoecology group regarding creative work and Wyoming influences. A journal, artist statement, and reflective final paper are submitted upon return to Pittsburgh.

Your Pitt Study Abroad Contacts: 

Tim Crawford

Hi Everyone! I’m Tim, and I am the Assistant Director for Domestic Study Away Programming. I have experience running international study abroad programs and programs here at home in the United States. I was fortunate to have many experiential learning opportunities, both international and domestic, during my college career. Being from a small town in Central Pennsylvania, my experiences opened my eyes to the rest of the world and helped open my eyes to different cultures and career opportunities I’d love to help you take advantage of the numerous experiential learning opportunities here at Pitt. Outside of the office, I’m always looking for the next adventure. I love traveling, hate sitting still and love doing anything outdoors, in all seasons. Personally, my family and I are on a quest to visit as many national parks as possible. I’d love to talk to you more about any of our study away programs, answer any of your questions and help you find the right opportunity. Please reach me via email at timcrawford@pitt.edu

E-mail: 
timcrawford@pitt.edu

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Your In-Country Contacts: 

Delanie Jenkins

Delanie is associate professor in studio arts at the University of Pittsburgh, where she teaches sculpture and installation. Earning an MFA in sculpture at the University of Colorado at Boulder she fell in love with the Rocky Mountains and has longed to return to the interior west. Delanie founded the Studio Arts Wyoming Field Study with the Honors College in 2009 - facilitating and sharing this field study experience with students is a highlight of her teaching in Studio Arts.
 

E-mail: 
djenkins@pitt.edu

Items Billed by Pitt
  In-State Out-of-State
Program Cost Coming Soon Coming Soon
Total Billed by Pitt Coming Soon Coming Soon

Estimated Additional Out-of-Pocket Costs
Airfare $500
Personal Expenses $300
   

Remember that your lifestyle and spending choices can greatly affect the amount of money you'll need while away.  Visit our Budgeting page for more information.

What's Included: 

As a part of the program fee, the following are included:

  • Tuition for 3 credits
  • Most meals
  • Housing in doube occupancy rooms at the longhorn lodge
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Extended Field Trip around the state
  • Other excursions and activities

 

What Else You Need to Know: 
  • This program takes place at higher elevations. Field trips/excursions may include hikes, often strenuous
  • The program will be at altitudes above 7,000 feet
  • Due to the nature of the program, the schedule is subject to change. There may be instances where a guest speaker or field excursion needs to be rescheduled. We ask for your patience and understanding in advance.
  • Remember that this is an academic program and that you should expect to invest the same amount of time and effort on this course as you would on a course at Pitt Mandatory trips. Independent travel cannot conflict with fieldwork. Independent travel may be better before or after the program.